Prof. Sam Lawler
Here comes a thread on light pollution from satellites, with a concrete action that you all can take to help push for regulation of satellites in orbit!
Astronomers have been worried about light pollution from satellites (if you've been following me for more than 24 hours, you've perhaps heard a bit about this). Astronomers spent SO much time and effort begging and pleading with Starlink to make their satellites fainter, with mixed results.
Prof. Sam Lawler
I have no idea how these direct-to-cell satellites will work, but I'd guess it will require extremely strong radio broadcasts.
Radio astronomers who have been following this are terrified: they go to great pains to make radio-quiet zones, and if giant satellites blasting super strong radio signals fly over all the time, it will destroy these radio-quiet zones.
Prof. Sam Lawler
The FCC (the US federal agency charged with regulating satellites) has approved just direct-to-cell satellites: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-advances-supplemental-coverage-space-framework-0
I ran a simulation of 400 of these satellites as seen from Toronto. From light-polluted downtown Toronto, in the night sky you would be able to see the Moon, Venus, and a bunch of stupidly bright satellites all night long on the summer solstice.
Prof. Sam Lawler
A group of concerned astronomers, artists, and policy experts have come together and formed Kessler Rebellion. Our goal is to educate the public about what's happening in orbit and advocate for regulatory changes that will avoid Kessler Syndrome, which would destroy our ability to use satellites in Low Earth Orbit for decades to centuries.
Prof. Sam Lawler
Right now the FCC has an official comment period open, until MAY 30. I have no idea if it will help for them to receive many letters from the general public, but we've written up instructions on how to do this here: https://www.kesslerrebellion.com/take-action
You can submit a comment even if you don't live in the US.
I know there are SO many things to fight against right now. But if you have any energy left, and you love the night sky, this is a relatively easy action. Thank you!
Prof. Sam Lawler
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, AST Mobile launched a GIGANTIC direct-to-cell satellite that is as bright as the brightest stars in the sky (this is paywalled, sorry, the next link is not): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06672-7
This is an opinion piece I wrote about this article a few months ago (which required much back-and-forth with multiple Nature editors, plus their lawyers...sigh): https://rdcu.be/drQOU
Prof. Sam Lawler
These direct-to-cell satellites require large antennae that are super reflective. They are also HORRIBLE for radio astronomy. Cell phones are designed to pick up very strong signals from close to your horizon. Satellites have their strongest signals make it to the ground when they're directly overhead, sending signals over the shortest distance and through the smallest column of atmosphere.
Prof. Sam Lawler
The FCC comment period is still open for direct-to-cell gigantic satellites. And people who pay attention to the FCC are noticing that loads of private individuals are submitting comments on this!
A sincere thank you to everyone who's already submitted, and there's still 1 week left to submit your own comments if you have energy for it
Will it make a difference? No one really knows. The FCC is a black box. But this is pretty much the only way to tell them what you think, so worth a try!
Prof. Sam Lawler
Last reminder from me: the FCC is taking comments on their new rule allowing freaking huge direct-to-cell satellites until tomorrow. Instructions to submit your own comment are posted here: https://www.kesslerrebellion.com/take-action
Again, I have no idea if this will help. But I do know that the people who pay attention to FCC filings and write about them have noticed! There are now almost 200 submitted comments!! (The last comment period for Starlink had like 25). This is awesome, thank you all so much!
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